Monday, 9 August 2010

Is Google Really A Friend Of The People?

We all think of Google as the Anti-Microsoft - or is that just me?. They're a friend of the people aren't they? Giving us all loads of useful stuff for free. But really, are they worthy? Are we right to trust them without question? I sort of think they are - but cracks are beginning to form in my opinion of them. Are they becoming too big? Too powerful? At some point in the future are we going to be in for a shock? Once everyone on the planet has a GMail account are we going to be held to ransom? A scary thought.

So why am I starting to doubt the sanctity of the holy Google? Well, it has to do with Android and the fact that they won't license the Google Apps - including the App Market - for use on tablets. They only license to devices with a Sim. Why is that? What's wrong with tablets? OK, some of their proprietary apps aren't suited to a non-mobile device, ie Navigator, but some, including the App Market, certainly are. When so much is open source why the lock down? I'm far from an expert, more an interested user but I find it odd and slightly concerning. I want a Tablet with Apps - and I don't want to have to jumps through the hoops to manually download, transfer and install when it could all be so easy. Google, why make it so difficult?

It almost pushes me to the iPad - after-all, it's available now AND has downloadable Apps from its store - but that would really go against the grain...

About

Why the strange blog name? Well, I lead a secret life as The Mad Runner - I suppose it's not really that secret is it? You can read my daily blog at http://dna100.blogspot.com. With The Mad Tech Report I'm just keeping the theme going.

Why bother? Thought I'd try giving an informal, light hearted look at the software, gadgets and gizmos that I use from day to day.

You can rest assured I won't be delving too deeply into the technicalities of the various products. I'll be keeping to a simple 'Is it really any good?' approach.